Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

Here’s a delicious Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta recipe — creamy, garlicky, and full of flavor, yet surprisingly easy to make! 🍤🍝

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🍝 Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

🕒 Total Time:

20–25 minutes

🍽️ Servings:

2–3 people

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🧄 Ingredients:

For the pasta:

• 200 g (7 oz) spaghetti or linguine

• Salt (for boiling water)

• 1 tbsp olive oil

For the garlic butter shrimp:

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 300 g (10 oz) large shrimp, peeled and deveined

• 4–5 cloves garlic, finely minced

• ½ tsp red chili flakes (optional, for spice)

• Salt and black pepper to taste

• ½ tsp paprika or smoked paprika (optional)

• Juice of ½ lemon (about 1 tbsp)

• 2 tbsp chopped parsley (fresh is best)

Optional add-ins (for creaminess):

• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• ¼ cup heavy cream (optional for a creamy sauce)

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👨‍🍳 Instructions:

1. Cook the Pasta:

   • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

   • Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente.

   • Reserve about ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and drizzle pasta with a little olive oil to prevent sticking.

2. Sauté the Shrimp:

   • In a large skillet, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat.

   • Add the shrimp in a single layer. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika.

   • Cook for 1–2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp and set aside.

3. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce:

   • In the same skillet, add another 1 tbsp butter (if needed).

   • Add minced garlic and red chili flakes; sauté for 30 seconds to 1 minute until fragrant (don’t let it burn).

   • Add lemon juice and a splash of the reserved pasta water (about ¼ cup).

   • Optional: Stir in cream and Parmesan for a rich, velvety sauce.

4. Combine Everything:

   • Toss the cooked pasta into the skillet, coating it with the garlic butter sauce.

   • Add back the shrimp and mix gently until everything is heated through.

   • Sprinkle with chopped parsley and more lemon juice if desired.

5. Serve:

   • Garnish with extra Parmesan, parsley, or a light drizzle of olive oil.

   • Serve immediately while hot.

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💡 Tips & Variations

• Add spinach or cherry tomatoes for color and extra nutrients.

• Substitute shrimp with scallops or chicken if preferred.

• Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for a healthier version.

• If you love spice, add a pinch of Cajun seasoning for a bold twist.

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🌿 Nutritional Highlights (per serving)

• Calories: ~450–500 kcal

• Protein: 30 g

• Carbohydrates: 40 g

• Healthy fats from olive oil and shrimp

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